Dyeing apparatus



Oct; 14] .1924. 1,511,386

w. A. TRAVE R DYEING APPARATUS Filed No"). 6, 192s a Sheets-Sheet 1 OOOOOO090000OOOOOOOOQOOOOOOOOOOOOQ O 6 jnz enior:

Get. 14 1924.

w. A. TRAVER DYEING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 6, 1923 3 SheetsSheet 2 W. A. TRAVER DYEING APPARATUS Filed NOVFG, 1923 3 Sh86tS-Sheet 5 Patented Get. 14, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM A. TRAVER, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOB 'I'O- FRANKLIN PROCESS COMPANY, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, A CORPORATION ISLAND.

OEF RHODE DYEING APPARATUS.

Application filed November 6, 1923. Serial No. 673,047.

To all whom it'mag conoem:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM A. 'I-RAVER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Providence, in the county of Providence, State of Rhode Island, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Dyeing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

. This invention relates to machines and apparatus for dyeing, bleaching, or otherwise treatin yarns and fibrous materials in package orm.

One object of the invention is to provide improved means for compressing the yarnpackages in the dyeing-vessel or kier.

Another object of the invention is to provide acompression-means adapted to act automatically on a plurality of units of yarn-packages when the cover is placed on the kier; y

Another object of the invention is to provide a compression-means. which requires no manual adjustment or manipulation for its operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compression-means which can be adapted to close the unused portions of the standpipes in the kier when the yarn mass surrounding the pipes does not extend to the ends thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compression-means adapted to operate in connection with means for sealing orcloslng any one or more of the stand-pipes which are not utilized during the dyeing operation in the kier.

Further objects of the improvement are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in .the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

my improved dyeingier showing its casmg and cover brokenaway at one side to Fig. 1 is a side elegtion of one form of illustrate the perforatedstandpipes on the inside ofthekier which are employed to ho-ld the yarn-cops or packages in stacked -relat1on during the dyeing or other process- Fig. 2, a plan view of the kier shown with its cover removed to illustrate the ar- 1gmgement of the standpipes within the or" Fig. 3, an enlarged sectional elevation portion of the standpipe when the same is not completely filled with yarn-packages; and

Fig. 5, a plan view of the compressionmeans shown partly in section on the line 55 of Fig. 3.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, I have here shown a usual form of dyeing-vessel or kier 2 having a cylindrical upper chamber 3 and a lower compartment 4: separated therefrom by a diaphragm or false-bottom 5. The kier 2 is usually supported from legs or standards, such as the vertical pipes 6 set in flanged feet 7, and entering the lower compartment 4 are suitable supply and exhaust pipes for the circulation of the dye-liquor or other fluid through the kier. The circulating system for the kier is not herein shown or described in detail as it may be of any usual arrangement, such, for instance, as that shown in U. S. Letters Patent No. 1,052,817

-to J. C. Hebden and F. H; Daniell, dated February 11, 1913. Usually, a centrifugal circulating pumpis' employed to force the dye-liquor into the lower compartment 4 of the kier, when it passes through openings in the diaphr circulating system.

. The dye-liquor or other fluid used in treating the material is forced through vertical standpipes 10 which are held in suitable openings in the diaphragm 5, the pipes extending to the top of the chamber 3 and being perforated along their length with small holes to. provide for the egress of the 5 to the upper chamber' 3, and is exhausted therefrom through the pressing the yarn or other textile material form density and to prevent the escape of the liquor between the ends of adjacent packages. A referred type of flexible or contractible tu e 11 on which the packages are wound is shown in section in Fig. 3, and may comprise a helical ban or spring 12 of flat wire covered by a reti lated fabric sleeve 14 of a porous nature. Such a form of contractible dye-cop tube or holder is described and illustrated in U. S. (reissued) Letters Patent No. 13,223, to F. H. Daniell, dated March 28, 1911. This form of dye-cop tube is now well known and very generally used in the art with what is termed the Franklin dyeing process and need not be herein further. described. Sufiice-it to state for the purpose of the present description, that the compressible dye-cops or packages are assembled in series by stacking or stringing them on the vertical standpipes 10 in the upper compartment 3 of the kier 2, and pressure is then applied to the end packages to force all of the cops downwardly on the standpipes to compress the yarnmass therein.

Heretofore, it has been the usual practice to (provide a flange, disk, or-head adapted to s11 e on the standpipe to compress the cops longitudinally thereof, with means for fastening the flange at the endof the pipe to hold the yarn under compression. With such an arran ement each group or series of cops or pac ages must be handled individually toiadj'ust the compression-means on the standpipe, and this requires the expenditure of considerable labor and is a time-consumin process. One object of my present invention is to provide means for simultane- ,ously applyingpressure to the cops .or packa es on 'all of the standpipes in the kier,

w ereby tosave labor and economize in the time consumed in preparing the yarn for the dyeing process. To this end my invention consists essentially in providing a plurality of resilientcompression-means for the severalstandpipes, with said means carried on the cover of the dyeing-kier and adapted to be brought into place and operated simultaneously to apply the pressure to the yarnpackages on all of "the-'standpipes when the cover is set in place and clamped down against the top of the kier.

Referring to Fig. 1, it is usual to provide a. cover 15 for the kier which has a flanged vrim 16 adapted to seat against a similar flange 17 at the top of the main cylindrical portion of the kier 2. Preferably, a suitable gasket 18, shown at the left in Fig. 1, is seated in a circumferential groove 19 in the flange 17 at the top of the kier, and is adapted to fit within a registering groove 20 in the flange 16 of the cover 15 to seal the oint between the flanges. The cover 15 is provided on its top with cross-ribs 21. to stiffen and strengthen its structure, and at the center thereof is an eye-bolt 22 for receiving the hook of a tackle by means of which the cover is removed from the kier and replaced thereon. Projecting from opposite sides of the rim 16 on the cover 15 are suitable ears 23 in which are secured a pair of locatingpins 24 adapted to engage with vertical holes 25 in lugs or ears 26 on-the sides of the kier 2. Spaced around the rim of the kier 2 are pairs of lugs 27 between which are pivoted fastening-bolts 30. The bolts 30 are adapted to engage with the openings between pairs of lugs 31 on the rim 16 of the cover 15, suitable nuts 32 being screwed down against the rim of the cover to clamp it to the kier to effect a fluid-tight joint. pins 24, before referred to, serve as a means for properly positionin the cover on the kier so that the pairs 0 lugs 31 on its rim will register with the fastening bolts 30; and also to provide that the compression-means which are carried on the under side of the hoover will be properly located with respect The locatingto the individual standpipes with which they cooperate.

Referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted that the standpipes 10 are arranged in concentric rows spaced around the interior of the kier in close relation to provide for placing a. large number of yarn-cops or packages the kier with their sides slightly separated. Each standpipe 10 is provided with its own compression-means projecting downwardly from the inside of the cover 15, and

these devioesare preferably constructed and arran ed in the manner as next described.

Re erring to Figs. 1 and 3, the cover 15 has a series of bosses 34 projecting from the underside -of its top-plate which are equal in number to, and arranged in alinement with, the axial centers of the standpipes 10. Screwed into each boss 34 is a pin or spindle 35 adapted to receive the tubular stem 36 of a flange or closure 37 which is an ployed as the compression-means for bearing against the end of the upper co or yarn-package P on the respective stan pipe with which it cooperates. The stem 36 of the flange 37 is slidable on the spindle 35, but is held from release therefrom by means of a cross-pin 38 driven through a hole at the end of the spindle and arranged with its ends projecting-through opposite slots 39 in the sides of the stem, see also Fig. 5. As shown most clearly in this latter view, the stem 36 is provided with external longitudinal ribs 40 which are surrounded by a helical spring 45 bearing at one end against the top-plate of the cover 15 and at its op 'posite end on the flange 37.

The spring 45 tendsto slide the stem 36 and thus serves as the compression-means acting through the flange 37 to press against the end package on the standpipe 10. The spring 45 is relatively heavy and stiff so that it will exert considerable pressure against the end cop on the standpipe to compress all of the cops in the stack or series, whereby their yarn-mass is compacted to provide for a substantially uniform density of the material. It will be understood, of course, that as the flange or closure 37 is pressed down against the end package on the standpipe 10 the compressible tubes within the whole series of packages will yield to provide for uniform compression of the whole mass of material surrounding the standpipe. It

. will also be noted that the flange 37 closes the end of the tube on which the end package is wound so that the dye-liquor or other fluid cannot escape at this point; and also by bearing against the end of the package prevents the liquor from being forced out at this point. In this Way the dye-liquor is confined within the interior of the packages and forced therefrom radially outward through the yarn-mass surrounding the standpipes so as to uniformly permeate through all of the material in the kier. It is further to be noted that the height of the standpipes 10 is such that the compression-flange or head 37 will clear its upper end as it bears against the end of the end package. In other words, it is not intended that the flange 37 shall be forced down against the end of the standpipe, but only that it shall close the end of the tube in the topmost package. Preferably, the flange 37 is slightly tapered from its center outward to add to its strength, and also to provide for effecting a tight seal at the center of the package where it closes the end of the cop-tube.

In some cases where there is not a suflicient number of packages in the batch to be dyed to completely fill. all of the standpipes in the kier, then the standpipe holding the least number of packages may be closed at its upper end by suitable means such as shown in Fig. 4. In this modification of the invention an auxiliary, tubular sleeve 48 having an end flange 49 is placed on the upper end of the standpipe 10 with its fla e hearing against the end of the end pac age P. The compression-flange 37 carried by the cover 15 will thus be caused to bear against the upper end of the sleeve 48 to close the same to prevent escape of the dye-liquor, while the flange 49 on-the auxiliary sleeve 48 will bear against the end of the end package to effect the compression of the yarn. The sleeve 48 may be of any appropriate length, that is to say, it may be equal in length-to that of a single package or to the length of several packages in accordance with the number of packa es that are misse ing'from a full stack on t e standpipe. In

other cases where severalpackages are missing from the last standpipe a number of the auxiliary sleeves or units 48 may be enrployed to take their place.

In cases where the batch to be dyed is so small that one or more of the standpipes in the kier will remain entirely empty I may employ a closing-means or shield for the standpipe arranged as next described. As shown in Fig. 1, I may place a sleeve or pipe 50 on any one or more of the standpipes 10 to close the latter against the escape of the dye-liquor through its perforations so as not to relieve the pressure in the other stand pipes. The surrounding sleeve or pipe 50 will be of a length slightly greater than the length of the standpipe 10 so that the flange 37 of the compression-device will close its end to prevent the escape of the liquor at this point. As before indicated, one or more of these sealing-pipes or shields may be employed in accordance with the number of standpipes not being utilized for holding with a suitable tackle or by the use of any,

other suitable means. To load the kier the dye-cops or packages P are stacked on the stringers or standpipes 10 as shown in Fig. 1, a sufficient number of cops being, put in place to extend slightly above the top of each standpipe. Where the batch to be dyed has an insuflicient number of packages to completely fill the kier, if only a portion of one standpipe is left without packages then the flanged sleeve 48, or a number of them, are placed above the packages to reach up above the unfilled standpipe. In other cases, where one or more standpipes remain without any packages, the full length sleeve or pipe 50 is placed thereon as shown in Fig. 1.

With the standpipes filled with packages, or provided with the sealing or closing means as last described, the cover 15 is replaced on the kier by lowering it into position with its locating-pins 24 engaged with their holes 25 in the ears 26 at the sides of the kier. As the cover is lowered into position the flanges 37 of the compression-means will be brought down against the upper ends of the end packages on the standpi es 10, and will cause all of the packages in t e several stacks to be forced downwardly on the pipes to bring their ends into close contact and to compress the mass of yarn or other material into a uniform density. Each flange 37 is forced downwardly by its spring 45 to cause it to bear against the end of the end cop on its respective standpipe, and in this way all of the compression-means are brought into action simultaneously without individual adjustment or manipulation. The fasteningbolts 30 are then turned into .place between the lugs 31 on the cover I 37, bearing firmly against the end packages on the several standpipes, so that all of the packages are held firmly under compression p are wound to a uniform length, the units or in the required manner to insure a uniform density of the yarn in'the mass surrounding the standpipes, and to also prevent the escape of the liquor between the ends of the packages orat the end of the last package in the series.

With the machine prepared in the manner as above explained the control-valves are operated and theliquid circulated through the kier by any suitable method as well known to those versed in the art. Usually, the liquid. entering thelower compartment 4 of the kier is 'forcedup through the standpipes 10 and out through the manifold perforations in the sides thereof, thus being causedto circulate radially outward to permeate the yarn-mass while escaping into the upper chamber 3 of the kier. From the chamber 3 the liquid may be exhausted and forced back into the lower compartment 4 again under the usual circulating process; or in some instances, the method may be reversed and the liquid forced into the upper chamber 3 of the kier. With this latter method, the dye-liquor is forced through the yarn-packages from the outside and will pass into the standpipes 10 and down therethrough into the lower compartment 4 of the kier and be exhausted therefrom by the action of the circulating-means.

It will be seen that my invention provides a' marked improvement in the method of applying compression to the large number of unitg of dye-packages placed in the kier, whereby-a great savlng of time and labor is effected and the process renderedmore uniform in its results. Where heretofore it has been necessary to apply and adjust a separate compression-means to each individual series or stack of dye-packages on the different standpipes, with the present improvement the compression-means is auto-U- matic or self-acting under the operation of placing the cover on the kier.

My new method of applying pressure to compress the dye-packages not only provides for a saving in-labor and time, but also makes for more uniform results in the dyeing process. Since all of the packages stacks of packages require to be compressed to the same degree, and this is more effectuagainst the end packag ally accomplishedwith the present means and method than a vhere a hand-compression device is employed. That is to say, the compressionsprings 45 act uniformly on all of the several units or series of dye-packages in the individual columns or stacks on the standpipes, and thus all of the yarn is com.- pressed to substantially the same density whereby it will be dyed more uniformly without variation as to shade. On the other hand, where separate compression-means have been applied to each standpipe, if the operator inadvertently or through carele$- ness applies more pressure to one series of packages than to another, the yarn held under the least compression will be dyed a deeper or stronger shade and the different units of cops may vary somewhat under the same dyeing process.

With my present apparatus, ,the yarn may be dyed more uniformly and successfully with less labor, and consequently considerable time is saved so that the process is made more economical and more ellicient in other res cts. 1

I ile I have herein showif and described a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, it is to be understood that various m, cations may be made in the form. and arrangement of its "parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in thls respect, I claim:

1. In an apparatus for dyeing or similarly treating fibrous materials, the combination of a dyeing-vessel or kier, means within the kien for supporting columns of packages containing the material to'be treated, a cover for closing the top of the kier, and resilient means carried by said cover and adapted to bear against the end packages in the columns- 'to force all of the packages together tomamtain the material therein under compression.

2. In an apparatus for dyein or similarly treating textile materials, t e combinafi tion of a dyeing-vessel or kier, means for supporting a plurality of units of stacked packages of the material in -the kier, a cover for closing the kier and a pluralityof in-- dividual compression-means carried by said cover and adapted to bear against the end packages in the stacks to maintain the material under compression during the dyeing or other process.

3. In a dyeing-machine or like apparatus, the combination of a kier, upright stringers in the kier for holding packages of material strung therealong in a series of stacked units, a plurality of end-closures carried by the cover to adapt them to bear individuall w of the severa stacks in the kier, and resilient means 'for :forcing said end-closures against the packa es.

4. In anapparatus of the type specified,

the combination of a kier, a series of perforated standpipes in the kier adapted to receive a plurality of yarn-packa es stacked thereon, a cover for closing e kier, a plurality of flanges slidably mounted with respect to the top of the cover to adapt them to bear against the end packages on the standpipes, and resilient means for forcing the flanges'down against the end packages on the standpipes to compress the ma.- terial in all of the packages.

5. In an apparatus of the type described, the combination of a kier, perforated standpipes arranged in vertical position in the kier to adapt them to receive packages of material stacked thereon, a cover for closing the kier, spindles projecting downwardly from the cover, compression-means slidable on the spindles to bear against the ends of the end packages on the standpipes, and resilient means acting between said compression-means and the cover to maintain the material in the packages under compression.

6. In an apparatus of the type specified,

the combination of a kier, vertical standpipes arranged within the kier to adapt them to receive a plurality of yarn-packa es stacked thereon, a cover for closing the kier, pins projecting downwardly from the cover, end-flanges having stems slidable on the pins, and coiled springs surrounding the stems between the cover and the flanges to force the latter downwardly against the end packages on the standpipes.

7. In an apparatus of the type specified, the combination of a kier, a plurality of standpipes within the kier, a cover for closing the kier, pins projecting downwardly from the cover in axial alinement with the several standpipes, flanges having tubular stems slidable on said pins, springs arranged between the cover and the flanges to force the latter downwardly against the packages on the standpipes, and means to limit the sliding movement of the flanges.

8. In an apparatus of the type specified, the combination of a kier, vertical standpipes for supporting a series of yarn-packages in stacked arrangement in the kier, a cover for closing the kier, spindles projecting downwardly from said cover in axial alinement with the several standpipes, flanges having slotted stems slidable on the spindles, springs arranged between the cover and the flanges to force the latter downwardly against the packages on the standpipes, an cross-pins extending through the spindles on the cover and engaging the slots in the stems of the flanges to limit the sliding movement of the latter.

9. In an apparatus of the type specified, the combination of a kier having two compartments separated by a false-bottom, vertical standpipes in the upper compartment of the kier extending through the false-bottom to communicate with the lower com-- partment, a cover for closing the top of the kier, and a plurality of resiliently-operated means carried by the cover and adapted to be held thereby against the packages of material strung on the standpipes to maintain the mass of material under compression.

10. In an apparatus of the type specified, the combination of a kier having a false-bottom, a plurality of standpipes projecting upwardly from the false-bottom of the kier to hold the packages of material in stacked relation, a cover adapted to close the top of the kier, a plurality of resilientlyoperated compression-flanges carried by the cover in position to adapt them to bear against the end packages of material surrounding the several standpipes, means to locate the cover on the kier to register its several compression-means in line with their respective standpipes, and means to clamp the cover against the top of the kier.

11. In an apparatus of the type specified,

the combination of a kier, a plurality of vertical standpipes in the kier adapted to hold yarn-packages in stacked relation thereon, a cover for the kier, resiliently-operated compression-means carried by the cover to adapt them to bear against the end packages on the standpipes, and sleeve-like closures for covering the portionscof the standpipes not utilized for packages, said closures having end-flanges to bear against the topmost packages on the standpipes. I

12. In an apparatus of the type specified, the combination of a kier, a plurality of vertical standpipes in the kier adapted to-support a series of yarn-packages in stacked re lation thereon, a, plurality of separate compression-means carried by the cover to adapt them to bear against the end packages on the standpipes, and a sleeve adapted to close a standpipe when the latter is not being utilized, said sleeve extending above the top of the standpipe and closed at its end by the compression-means to prevent the escape of the dye-liquor and loss of pressure in the system.

ture.

WILLIAM A. TRAVER.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signa- 

